Does Weather Affect the Coronavirus Outside?
2020-11-09
LRC
TXT
大字
小字
滚动
全页
1Does weather affect the spread of the coronavirus outside a building, in the open air?
2Not really, experts say.
3The World Health Organization (WHO) says the virus can be spread in any kind of weather.
4There is also no reason to believe that cold weather can kill it.
5The WHO says the virus is mainly spread between people.
6Rain and snow may help reduce the amount of the virus on chairs or other outside objects.
7But spread of the virus from surfaces is not believed to be a major contributor to the COVID-19 health crisis.
8Scientists say the real concern about cold weather is that lower temperatures are more likely to keep people indoors.
9They also are more likely to be in more crowded spaces, where the virus can spread more easily.
10Studies have shown that a large percentage of spread happens within homes when people are sharing common areas like bathrooms.
11The WHO and others have also warned about the virus spreading in indoor areas with poor ventilation.
12They note the virus can be spread in the air, and infectious particles might remain in the air for several hours.
13Some infections have been linked to nightclub visits, working out at physical exercise centers, and even performing with other people as part of a singing group.
14The coronavirus does not spread as often outdoors because fresh air breaks up the virus particles.
15People also have an easier time keeping their distance from others in outdoor areas.
16But experts warn that coronavirus spread is still possible if people spend extended periods of time outdoors close to others without covering their nose and mouth.
17Health officials say the best way to stop spread of the virus is to wear a face mask in public, stay at least 2 meters away from people not in your home and repeatedly wash your hands.
18I'm Jonathan Evans.
1Does weather affect the spread of the coronavirus outside a building, in the open air? 2Not really, experts say. 3The World Health Organization (WHO) says the virus can be spread in any kind of weather. There is also no reason to believe that cold weather can kill it. 4The WHO says the virus is mainly spread between people. Rain and snow may help reduce the amount of the virus on chairs or other outside objects. But spread of the virus from surfaces is not believed to be a major contributor to the COVID-19 health crisis. 5Scientists say the real concern about cold weather is that lower temperatures are more likely to keep people indoors. They also are more likely to be in more crowded spaces, where the virus can spread more easily. 6Studies have shown that a large percentage of spread happens within homes when people are sharing common areas like bathrooms. 7The WHO and others have also warned about the virus spreading in indoor areas with poor ventilation. They note the virus can be spread in the air, and infectious particles might remain in the air for several hours. 8Some infections have been linked to nightclub visits, working out at physical exercise centers, and even performing with other people as part of a singing group. 9The coronavirus does not spread as often outdoors because fresh air breaks up the virus particles. People also have an easier time keeping their distance from others in outdoor areas. But experts warn that coronavirus spread is still possible if people spend extended periods of time outdoors close to others without covering their nose and mouth. 10Health officials say the best way to stop spread of the virus is to wear a face mask in public, stay at least 2 meters away from people not in your home and repeatedly wash your hands. 11I'm Jonathan Evans. 12Jonathan Evans adapted this story for VOA Learning English from an Associated Press report. George Grow was the editor. 13________________________________________________________________ 14Words in This Story 15bathroom - n. a room with a sink and toilet and usually a bathtub or shower 16contributor - n. someone or something that contributes something or that contributes to something 17mask - n. a covering used to protect your face or cover your mouth 18nightclub - n. a place that is open at night, has music, dancing, or a show, and usually serves alcoholic drinks and food